New International Versionso that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
New Living Translationso that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
English Standard Versionthat you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Berean Standard Bibleso that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world
Berean Literal Bibleso that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God unblemished in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
King James BibleThat ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
New King James Versionthat you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
New American Standard Bibleso that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
NASB 1995so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
NASB 1977that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
Legacy Standard Bibleso that you will be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Amplified Bibleso that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness],
Christian Standard Bibleso that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world,
Holman Christian Standard Bibleso that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.
American Standard Versionthat ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,
Contemporary English VersionThen you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world,
English Revised Versionthat ye may be blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen you will be blameless and innocent. You will be God's children without any faults among people who are crooked and corrupt. You will shine like stars among them in the world
Good News Translationso that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky,
International Standard Versionso that you may be blameless and innocent, God's children without any faults among a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world
NET Bibleso that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world
New Heart English Biblethat you may become blameless and pure, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,
Webster's Bible TranslationThat ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Weymouth New Testamentso that you may always prove yourselves to be blameless and spotless--irreproachable children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as heavenly lights in the world, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleso that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world
World English Biblethat you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthat you may become blameless and pure children of God, unblemished in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as luminaries in the world,
Berean Literal Bibleso that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God unblemished in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Young's Literal Translation that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God, unblemished in the midst of a generation crooked and perverse, among whom ye do appear as luminaries in the world,
Smith's Literal TranslationThat ye be complete and pure, children of God, blameless in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom ye appear as luminaries in the world; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThat you may be blameless, and sincere children of God, without reproof, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Catholic Public Domain VersionSo may you be without blame, simple sons of God, without reproof, in the midst of a depraved and perverse nation, among whom you shine like lights in the world,
New American Biblethat you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world,
New Revised Standard Versionso that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThat you may be sincere and blameless, like the innocent children of God, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world:
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishThat you would be perfect and without blemish as purified children of God who dwell in a hard and crooked generation, and appear among them as lights in the world. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentthat you may be without reproach and Harmless, the children of God, without blame, in the midst of a wicked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as luminaries in the world,
Godbey New Testamentin order that you may be blameless and pure, the children of God, irreproachable, amid a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Haweis New Testamentthat ye may be blameless and harmless, the children of God, inoffensive, in the midst of an untoward and perverse generation, among whom ye shine as luminaries in the world;
Mace New Testamentthat you may be without reproach, the inoffensive spotless children of God in the midst of a depraved and perverse generation (among whom you should shine as stars in the world,
Weymouth New Testamentso that you may always prove yourselves to be blameless and spotless--irreproachable children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as heavenly lights in the world,
Worrell New Testamentthat ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God, irreproachable in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye appear as luminaries in the world,
Worsley New Testamentthat ye may be blameless and inoffensive, the children of God without reproof, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; among whom ye shine as lights in the world,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Shining as Stars… 14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so thatyou may beblamelessandpure,childrenof Godwithout faultina crookedandperversegeneration,inwhichyou shineaslightsinthe world16as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.…
Cross References Matthew 5:14-16You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 5:8-11For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord. ...
1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Daniel 12:3Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
1 John 1:5-7And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Romans 12:2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:5For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
John 8:12Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
2 Corinthians 6:14-18Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...
Colossians 1:12-13giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. / He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
Isaiah 60:1-3Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Proverbs 4:18The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
1 John 3:1-3Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. / Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. / And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.
Deuteronomy 32:5His people have acted corruptly toward Him; the blemish on them is not that of His children, but of a perverse and crooked generation.
2 Peter 3:14Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.
Treasury of Scripture That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the middle of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; blameless. Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 1 Corinthians 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end,that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. and. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto allmen. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us,who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; harmless. Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; sons. Matthew 5:45,48 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust… Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful andto the evil. 2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the uncleanthing; and I will receive you, rebuke. 1 Timothy 5:14,20 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully… Titus 2:10,15 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things… Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. a crooked. Deuteronomy 32:5 They have corrupted themselves, their spotis notthe spot of his children:they are a perverse and crooked generation. Jump to Previous AlwaysBlamelessBlemishChildrenCrookedDepravedFaultFoolishGenerationGentleHarmlessHeavenlyHolyInnocentIrreproachableLightsMidstNationPerverseProvePureRebukeReproachShineSinSpotlessStarsTwistedUniverseWorldYourselvesJump to Next AlwaysBlamelessBlemishChildrenCrookedDepravedFaultFoolishGenerationGentleHarmlessHeavenlyHolyInnocentIrreproachableLightsMidstNationPerverseProvePureRebukeReproachShineSinSpotlessStarsTwistedUniverseWorldYourselvesPhilippians 2 1.Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility;12.to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world,16.and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.19.He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.so that you may be blameless and pureThis phrase emphasizes the call for moral integrity and holiness. "Blameless" suggests a life free from accusation, aligning with the biblical call to live above reproach ( 1 Timothy 3:2). "Pure" refers to inner moral purity, echoing Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart." The call to be blameless and pure is rooted in the Old Testament, where God commands His people to be holy as He is holy ( Leviticus 11:44). children of God without fault This phrase highlights the identity of believers as God's children, a theme found throughout the New Testament (John 1:12,Romans 8:16). Being "without fault" connects to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where offerings were to be without blemish (Leviticus 1:3). It underscores the transformation believers undergo through Christ, who presents them holy and blameless (Colossians 1:22). in a crooked and perverse generation The description of the generation as "crooked and perverse" reflects the moral decay and spiritual rebellion prevalent in the world. This echoesDeuteronomy 32:5, where Israel is described similarly. The phrase underscores the contrast between the world and the community of believers, who are called to live differently. It also resonates with Jesus' words inMatthew 17:17, lamenting the faithlessness of His generation. in which you shine as lights in the world Believers are called to be "lights," a metaphor for living out the truth and righteousness of God in a dark world. This imagery is consistent with Jesus' teaching inMatthew 5:14-16, where He calls His followers the light of the world. The concept of light is also tied to the presence of God, as seen in the pillar of fire guiding Israel (Exodus 13:21) and Jesus being the light of the world (John 8:12). The call to shine as lights is a call to reflect Christ's character and truth in every aspect of life. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Philippians, writing from prison to encourage and instruct the believers in Philippi. 2. PhilippiansThe recipients of the letter, a Christian community in the city of Philippi, known for their strong faith and partnership in the gospel. 3. GodReferred to as the Father of the believers, emphasizing their identity as His children. 4. Crooked and Perverse GenerationA description of the moral and spiritual state of the world, echoing the language used in Deuteronomy 32:5. 5. Lights in the WorldA metaphor for the role of Christians to illuminate and guide others through their conduct and testimony. Teaching Points Blameless and Pure LivingBelievers are called to live lives that are morally and spiritually upright, reflecting their identity as children of God. The Greek word for "blameless" suggests a life free from legitimate criticism, while "pure" implies sincerity and integrity. Identity as Children of GodUnderstanding our identity as God's children should motivate us to live in a way that honors Him. This identity is not just a status but a call to reflect God's character in a fallen world. Contrasting the WorldThe phrase "crooked and perverse generation" highlights the stark contrast between the values of the world and the kingdom of God. Christians are to stand out by living according to God's standards, not conforming to the world's ways. Shining as LightsOur lives should be a testimony to the truth and love of Christ, drawing others to Him. This involves both our actions and our words, as we bear witness to the gospel. Perseverance in WitnessDespite the challenges of living in a "crooked and perverse generation," believers are called to persevere in their witness. This requires reliance on the Holy Spirit and a commitment to spiritual growth. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 2
What is Christian witnessing?
What defines being a 'city on a hill'?
What is the concept of an "inner child"?
What does "in the world, not of it" mean?(15) Blameless and harmless.--"Blameless" as to external law and judgment (as in Luke 1:6; 1Thessalonians 2:10); "harmless" in internal purity and simplicity (as in Matthew 10:16, "harmless as doves;" and Romans 16:19). The sons of God, without rebuke.--The word "without rebuke" is, according to the best MSS., the same as that which is used inEphesians 1:4 (where see Note), and elsewhere, to signify "unblemished." The whole passage seems certainly a reminiscence ofDeuteronomy 32:5, as it runs in the Greek version, speaking of the Israelites as "no children of God, full of blemish, a crooked and perverse generation." The word "crooked" is similarly applied to the unbelieving Jews by St. Peter inActs 2:40, and the epithet "faithless and perverse generation" used by our Lord inMatthew 17:17;Luke 9:41. . . . Verse 15. - That ye may be blameless and harmless; read, with the best manuscripts, that ye may become; an exhortation to continued progress. "Harmless;" rather, pure, simple; literally, unmixed.The sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation; rather, children, without the article. "The slave may murmur," says Chrysostom, "but what son will murmur, who, while working for his father, works also for himself?" Substitute "blameless" for "without rebuke," and "generation" for "nation." There is a close resemblance bore, especially in the Greek, and an evident reference to Deuteronomy 32:5. The Philippians are exhorted to exhibit in their lives a contrast to the behaviour of the rebellious Israelites. Among whom ye shine as lights in the world; not "shine," but, as R.V., are seen or appear. Lights; literally, luminaries. The word is used in Genesis 1:14, 16 of the sun and moon. Comp. Ecclus. 43:7 and Wisd. 13:2, "where φεστῆρες ὀυρανοῦ is exactly equivalent to φωστῆρες ἐν κοσμῷ here, the κοσμός of this place being the material world, the firmament; not the ethical world, which has been already expressed by the crooked and perverse nation" (Trench, 'Synonyms of the New Testament').
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.you may beγένησθε(genēsthe)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.blamelessἄμεμπτοι(amemptoi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 273:Blameless, free from fault or defect. Irreproachable.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.pure,ἀκέραιοι(akeraioi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 185:(lit: unmixed) simple, unsophisticated, sincere, blameless. Unmixed, i.e. innocent.childrenτέκνα(tekna)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 5043:A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.of GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.without faultἄμωμα(amōma)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 299:Blameless, without blemish, unblemished, faultless. Unblemished.inμέσον(meson)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3319:Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun).a crookedσκολιᾶς(skolias)Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 4646:Crooked, perverse, unfair, curved, tortuous. From the base of skelos; warped, i.e. Winding; figuratively, perverse.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.perverseδιεστραμμένης(diestrammenēs)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1294:To pervert, corrupt, oppose, distort. From dia and strepho; to distort, i.e. misinterpret, or corrupt.generation,γενεᾶς(geneas)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1074:From genos; a generation; by implication, an age.inἐν(en)Preposition Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.whichοἷς(hois)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.you shineφαίνεσθε(phainesthe)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 5316:Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten, i.e. Show.asὡς(hōs)Adverb Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.lightsφωστῆρες(phōstēres)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 5458:A light, an illuminator, perhaps the sun; a star; brilliancy. From phos; an illuminator, i.e. a luminary, or brilliancy.inἐν(en)Preposition Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] worldκόσμῳ(kosmō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2889:Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).
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NT Letters: Philippians 2:15 That you may become blameless and harmless (Philipp. Phil. Php.) |